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So you’ve not got the A-level results you wanted for your course at university.

The most important thing is not to panic. There’s still a solid chance of getting a place somewhere thanks to a system used by thousands of students every year.

Here, Gaynor Glover, head of admission policy and strategy at the University of Liverpool, and Jessica Stoneley, from Liverpool Hope University’s recruitment team, explain how clearing works.

Q: I’ve not got the A-level results I wanted, can I still get into university?

Gaynor Glover (GG): “If you have not got the exam results that you expected, there are a number of possible options open to you. The most important piece of advice that we can offer is don’t panic.

“Make sure you have your UCAS personal ID number available and call the university where you are holding a place.

“If your university is not able to offer you a place, the university that was your insurance choice may be able to accept you, but if they are not able to offer you a place, you will be eligible to go into clearing.

“The UCAS website will give you all the information you need about vacancies in clearing and how the process works.

“You can then start telephoning the universities that are offering courses that interest you.”

Jessica Stoneley (JS): “Clearing is about making the right choice for you rather than just picking the first course you see.

“If you choose a course that allows you to play to your strengths and interests, you can do really well.”

Q: What is clearing and how does it work?

GG: “Clearing is the process where institutions promote any places they still have available on courses.

“It allows students who have not got the grades they wanted in their exams to explore courses that they may not have considered before and speak to admissions advisors about the courses that may be available to them.”

Q: Are there still going to be places available anywhere?

GG: “There will be a limited number of places available through clearing on some programmes.

“Students applying to Liverpool can see all of the courses we have available in clearing on our website.”

Q: What should I do before I start calling universities?

JS: “Speak to your teachers at school or college. They will have been in the same situation with previous students, they know how the process works and they know your strengths so they can help advise you.”

Q: What happens when I call my chosen university?

JS: “When you call the clearing line for your chosen university, the person you speak to will ask for your details, your UCAS ID if you have one, grades and which course you would like to study.

“They can answer any questions you have about courses or put you in touch with a tutor. Make sure you have a pen and paper ready and tell them every qualification you have.

“If you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, they may make you an offer over the phone and explain what you need to do to select your course on the UCAS Track website.

“They will also be able to advise you on the accommodation. If you can, try and visit the university and speak to the tutors before you accept an offer. You will be there for the next three years or more, so you need to be sure that you will enjoy studying and living there.

“Remember that no question is too small for the clearing team – they are there to help you come to the right decision for you.”

Q: Does going through clearing mean I won’t get into my first choice university?

GG: “Going through clearing does not necessarily mean that you won’t get your first choice university.

“There may be other options available at the university you have chosen and you should speak to their advisors to find out what they would suggest for the grades you have achieved.”

Q: When does clearing start and end?

GG: “Clearing starts on August 13 (results day) and lines will be open until course places are filled. Be prepared to act quickly because popular courses will fill very rapidly.”

JS: “Clearing is already open for those who have their results or who are applying for the first time, but the majority of phone calls we get will be on results day when our lines open at 8am.

“Clearing finishes on different dates depending on the institution and course availability.”